Abu Dhabi: Quite a few in the world of football will disagree that the Argentinean ace Lionel Messi is the most valuable player today due to his brilliance and grace.
Similarly in the world's shooting fields, there is no doubt that it is Australian Michael Diamond who should be the number one marksman in the globe with his unmatched achievements. Diamond has an impressive record of wins, which include two gold medals in the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and in Sydney in 2000 and five gold medals in the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur 1998. He has also won the gold in the Trap and Trap pairs at Manchester in 2002, in Trap pairs in Melbourne 2006, and in Delhi 2010 in Trap pairs.
Besides the gold medals, he has to his credit three silver medals in Kuala Lumpur 1998 in Trap pairs, Manchester 2002 in Double Trap pairs and in Delhi 2010 in Trap. Today, Diamond will compete in the Trap event in the ongoing ISSF World Cup Final Shotgun held at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Gulf Club (AESGC).
Tough contest
He faces a tough contest from 11 other competitors from eight countries. Competing alongwith him for the gold will be two shooters each from Spain, Russia and Italy and one each from Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Britain and Turkey.
Expressing his happiness with the facilities provided by the organisers, Diamond told Gulf News, "I know the UAE because I have come many times and know that they have the best shooting ranges and facilities.
"The organisers, and in fact everyone, have accorded a warm welcome to all of us and we are feeling very comfortable and are just waiting for the competition to start.
"The competition will be difficult for every one because the best in the world in every category are competing against each other in such a sport which needs all the concentration and focus. Anything can happen," Diamond said.
